Society of St. James charity assistance

There are several programmes run by Society of St. James for low income families and individuals. Of particular focus is on assisting the homeless by providing them shelter as well as meals and basic needs. Accommodations are available at Jordan House, and a number of flats are managed by the Housing Management Team.

In total, over 1000 people across Portsmouth and Southampton may be receiving help from the Society at any one time. They may be staying in one of the hostels or shelters run by the charity, and during their stay, the guests can access support services. The aim is to move people into more long term accommodations and address the cause of the poverty.

One key resource is the Resettlement Service, which is for the chronic homeless and ex-offenders in Southampton. The aim is to help people move into private accommodations or social housing, and as part of this, various assistance is provided. There will be up to 6 months of support to deal with issues ranging from mental health to offending or unemployment. Individuals may be placed into a hostel that also provides them with meals. This service is also for rough sleepers, and they may be moved direct from the streets into accommodations as well. The number of beds is under 30, so space is limited.

At the end of this process, if eligible, Society of St. James will help people apply for rent or deposit schemes for their new housing. The charity will offer referrals for housing payment and related support, and much of this is also from the Patrick House’s Assessment Centre. There is also support and advice to access benefits, for housing or other needs.

Many of the families or individuals who go to the agency for help are residents that have a history of being evicted due to rent arrears or mismanagement of their income or saving. So by staff members from St James working with the client and their keyworker to pay rent weekly and avoid eviction, this helps prevent homelessness in Hampshire County and leads to sustained housing.

Many other services are provided to people who stay in the hostel. The society and its staff coordinate workshops on budgeting, numeracy, cooking and literacy, with an aim of income maximsation and financial stability. Another aim is to help people to improve their decision-making as well as self-confidence.

Additional housing is available from a programme known as Jordan House. Most of the clients have moved from other local hostels but they found they still need support, or have difficulty in living with other people. Staff from Society of St. James help these tenants manage their new home and deal with the challenges of being renters.

Society of St. James resettlement workers also seeks out private sector rented accommodation in the city and help people move into the homes or new flats. They will also help the tenant by offering furniture and help with both applying to and sorting benefits. Also, there may be help for utility connection fees, and ongoing tenancy support is provided too. More information on the Southampton and Portsmouth Street Homeless Prevention Team can be received by calling 02380 216000, or read more help with rent.

Affordable housing as well as short term accommodations is provided by the Housing Management Team at the Society. The charity manages hostels, flats, and homes that are let out at affordable rental rates. The units are for the low income and disabled, as well as other clients of the charity. Call 023 80 717 273.

Maintenance and free repair for the vulnerable is provided as part of a Handy Person Service, or HP+. This is for people that reside in their own private home or flat. The aim is to help the older person or disabled individuals live independently, so St. James will help them repair their home to make it safe and livable. All property issues will be addressed for the elderly that are found to be eligible. If the Handy Person can’t make the repairs, they will offer referrals to other charities in Southampton that can address the needs of the client.

Home Support is for the disabled and vulnerable in the community. Social workers from Saint James will help those with complex needs so they can live independently in the community. They will assist with substance abuse, mental care, and financial matters ranging from rent arrears to deposits for resettling into a new home. Personal care, free advice, and other aid is given to the clients as part of this support programme.

The Society of St. James has a post at 125 Albert Road South, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3FR. The homeless and low income can call the charity at (023) 8063 4596.